Linda Cohn is not “riding off into the sunset.”
The Hall of Fame broadcaster, who holds the record for anchoring the most editions of “SportsCenter” on ESPN, announced her departure from the network after 34 years on Monday. She’s gearing up for what comes next.
“I’m excited about what’s around the corner, and I’m not feeling sad about what’s ending,” Cohn shared in an interview on Tuesday. “I’m looking forward to the next project, which will grant me complete freedom.”
Her upcoming venture, set to be unveiled next month, aims to blend “freedom and fun,” allowing her to venture into areas beyond sports, such as pop culture and music.
Cohn also plans to engage in speaking opportunities, create content on social media, and enhance her YouTube presence to stay connected with audiences who grew up watching her.
“I don’t want people to associate retirement with me disappearing,” Cohn expressed. “I want to continue sharing my story and inspiring young women. If I can motivate even a few to pursue sports and chase their dreams, then that’s more than enough for me.”
Last June, she extended her contract with ESPN for another year after contemplating retirement when the network announced it would move “SportsCenter” from Los Angeles to Bristol, Connecticut, in March 2025.
“I didn’t want to return to Bristol,” she admitted. “I really enjoyed my time in Los Angeles. I moved here eight years ago, and when I heard about the relocation, I was genuinely taken aback.”
“That’s when I began to rethink retirement. I thought, ‘Let me take one more year, organize some events, and truly think about what’s next. It’s been a reflective journey… I still have much to offer. It’s time to contemplate my 34 years with ESPN, and I’m giving myself permission to do that.”
Cohn has a daughter and a son, Dan, aged 30, from a previous marriage.
She excitedly talked about sharing a love for Taylor Swift with her fiancé, Sammy. “Her songs unite women and remind everyone, regardless of societal standards, that it’s okay to be yourself,” Cohn remarked, humorously noting the lengths she went to in order to see Swift in concert twice.
“Okay, maybe ‘loan’ is a strong word, but I did spend a pretty penny… and I’m glad she’s happy with her fiancé, Travis Kelsey,” she joked.
A Long Island native, Cohn first broke into the industry in radio in Patchogue and emphasized that a key motivation early in her career was to “prove people wrong.”
“I was a shy kid with low self-esteem, bullied often. I always felt the need to demonstrate that I knew my stuff,” she recounted. “Even now, when I meet people, I’m eager to share my sports insights casually, almost as if I’m just chatting.”
Her early memories include attending Rangers games with her dad, taking the train from Long Island, and experiencing the dramatic highs and lows of football with the Giants. It’s all very much a part of her.
Cohn reflected on her journey as a woman in a predominantly male field. “It wasn’t easy at first,” she noted. “Some men were blatantly skeptical about my presence on TV. There was a particular executive at MSG who bluntly told me, ‘That really didn’t work… I wouldn’t hire you.’”
“In 1994, two years after I joined ESPN, I was called into my boss’s office the night of Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals—a night I desperately wanted to watch.”
“They told me, ‘Linda, we love you, but your on-air personality needs to match what we see in the newsroom.’”
“I just wanted to be myself without looking like a robot, which was tricky back then. I opted for conservative outfits and tried to keep a low profile.”
“Luckily, I’ve grown into my own skin; I no longer stress about my appearance. I just wanted to make a mark for the right reasons,” she added, acknowledging her evolution throughout the years.
Clearly, she made a lasting impression at ESPN, crafting a remarkable legacy over the decades.
Cohn’s first “SportsCenter” broadcast was on July 11, 1992, at 2 a.m., and her last appearance is scheduled for Fridays at 6 p.m., 10 p.m., and 11 p.m. ET.
A Long Island native, she began her broadcasting career in Patchogue, New York, as a news anchor, writer, and sports reporter.
After joining ESPN in July 1992, Cohn took on numerous roles, including host, reporter, commentator, and play-by-play announcer, with a focus on hockey coverage.
She’s also known for her appearances in several iconic “This Is SportsCenter” commercials.
“Linda Cohn is a legend and a crucial part of ESPN’s history,” stated Burke Magnus, ESPN President of Content. “For over 30 years, she’s infused enthusiasm, personality, and genuine love for sports into our broadcasts. Her contributions both in front of and behind the camera are extensive. We wish her all the best in her future endeavors.”
Cohn was inducted into the National Sports Media Association Hall of Fame in 2017.
